Const -102 - Construction Management Principles - Claudenice Braga-McCalister

Introduction

Hello and welcome to CONST 102: Construction Management Principles!

My name is Claudenice Braga-McCalister, and you may call me Professor McCalister. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and bring professional experience in project management and construction safety. I have taught at College of the Canyons since 2018, covering subjects such as construction fundamentals, construction management, blueprint reading, building codes, planning and scheduling, estimating, and construction inspections.

Have you ever wondered how a construction project moves from an initial idea to a completed facility, or how so many people, documents, responsibilities, and decisions come together along the way? This course takes you behind the scenes of construction project management and introduces the principles and practices used to deliver quality construction projects.

You will explore the responsibilities of construction managers and examine how leadership, communication, contracts, safety, project controls, jobsite operations, and technology influence project outcomes. The course connects construction management concepts to practical situations that professionals encounter throughout a project.

This is a fully online and asynchronous course, which means there are no required in-person or real-time class meetings. However, the course is not self-paced. You will need to participate consistently, follow the schedule established for your section, and complete the required activities by their posted deadlines.

You do not need to begin the course with construction management experience. Come prepared to participate, ask questions, examine real-world situations, and develop your knowledge one module at a time. I look forward to supporting you throughout the course.

Course Description

This course introduces construction management principles, practices, and methods used to produce a quality construction project. Topics include delivery methods, human and contractual relations, project monitoring and control, contract documents, management styles, safety, general project administration, and computer aided construction management.

What This Means to You

In this course, you will explore the essential components of successful construction project management. Through instructional materials, practical assignments, and real-world case studies, you will develop a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a construction manager, common project delivery methods, and the importance of effective communication and professional relationships within the construction industry.

You will examine how projects progress through different stages and how owners, architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, inspectors, and other stakeholders contribute to project outcomes. You will also explore contract procedures, construction documents, general project administration, and the operational requirements necessary to manage a construction project.

The course examines project monitoring and control, including how construction managers evaluate progress, identify problems, and take corrective action. You will consider how leadership and management styles influence project teams, communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution.

Because safety is a critical responsibility in construction management, practices for maintaining a safe and compliant work environment are emphasized throughout the course. You will also learn how computer-aided construction management tools support scheduling, cost control, documentation, communication, coordination, and decision-making.

This course moves beyond theory by helping you develop knowledge and practical skills that can be applied to real-world construction projects and future professional roles. By the end of the course, you will be better prepared to understand, manage, and contribute to quality construction projects.

What to Expect in this Course

This is a fully online and asynchronous course. There are no required in-person or real-time lectures. Course materials, instructional videos, assignments, discussions, quizzes, exams, case studies, and other learning activities are delivered through Canvas.

Although you may complete your work at different times, this course is not self-paced. Modules, assignments, and assessments follow the schedule established for your section. You are expected to review Canvas regularly, read announcements, follow module instructions, and submit your work by the posted deadlines.

Typical modules may include textbook readings, supplemental resources, instructional videos, practice activities, graded assignments, discussions or reflections, quizzes, and a module checklist. You will also complete online exams and may participate in individual or collaborative projects that require you to apply construction management concepts to realistic project situations. The specific number of assignments, projects, and exams will be provided in Canvas and the syllabus for your section.

You should plan to dedicate several hours each week to reading, reviewing instructional materials, completing assignments, participating in discussions, and preparing for assessments. The weekly time commitment will depend on the length and pace of your section. Shorter and accelerated sections cover the same course content in less time and therefore require a substantially greater weekly commitment.

You will need regular access to a desktop or laptop computer and a reliable internet connection. Although some Canvas activities may be accessed using a tablet or smartphone, a computer is strongly recommended for completing assignments, working with course documents, and taking assessments. You will also need a current web browser, a PDF reader, Microsoft Word or compatible word-processing software, and Microsoft Excel or compatible spreadsheet software.

A webcam and microphone are not required for routine participation but may be needed for optional meetings, collaborative activities, individual support, or an academic integrity review.

Types of Assessments

Assessments may include online research activities, homework and application assignments, discussion boards and peer responses, short written reflections, case-study analyses, practice quizzes, graded quizzes, online exams, surveys, and individual or collaborative projects.

Practice activities may be ungraded and are provided to help you check your understanding and prepare for graded assessments. Exams evaluate your understanding of construction management principles and processes, while applied assignments and projects require you to analyze realistic construction situations, make informed decisions, and communicate your reasoning.

All required work must be completed and submitted through Canvas according to the instructions and deadlines established for your section.

Textbook Information

Required Textbook:

Construction Management JumpStart, Fourth Edition

Author: Barbara J. Jackson
Publisher: Wiley
ISBN: 978-1-394-24059-3

The textbook provides foundational knowledge and practical examples that will be used throughout the course. You will need access to the fourth edition to complete assigned readings, activities, discussions, and assessments.

The textbook may be purchased through the College of the Canyons Bookstore or another retailer. Please verify the title, author, edition, and ISBN before purchasing to ensure that you obtain the correct book.

Other Relevant Course Information

Active and consistent participation is essential for success in an online course. Simply logging into Canvas does not count as attendance or participation. You demonstrate academic participation by submitting assignments, contributing to required discussions, completing quizzes and exams, participating in projects, and engaging with other required course activities.

You are expected to participate regularly and submit your work by the deadlines established for your section. Waiting until deadlines approach or attempting to complete several modules at once may make it difficult to understand the material, participate meaningfully, and remain current with the course.

Carefully review all instructions before submitting your work. Assignments must be submitted through Canvas unless otherwise directed. Before submitting, verify that you have uploaded the correct file for the correct assignment and that the file opens properly. A blank, corrupted, incorrect, or unrelated file does not constitute a valid submission.

Professional communication and collaboration are important parts of construction management. When participating in discussions or collaborative activities, you are expected to communicate respectfully, contribute meaningfully, complete your assigned responsibilities, and respond professionally to different perspectives.

Your interest in learning is one of the most important components of success in this course. A growth mindset will help you view challenges as opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills. Consistent effort, effective time management, and dedication to meeting assignment and exam deadlines are also essential. The video Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck - YouTube provides additional guidance on developing this approach to learning.

It is also important to identify your academic and professional goals. The video Setting SMART Goals - How To Properly Set a Goal (animated) - YouTube introduces a helpful method for creating goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. When you understand what you want to accomplish and where you would like to go, I can better support you in reaching those goals.

Students on the official waitlist will be considered for enrollment as seats become available. Students who are not on the waitlist may be considered only if space remains after eligible waitlisted students have been served. Enrollment is not guaranteed and depends on seat availability.

Before the course begins, I will send an email with additional information to students who are officially enrolled. Please monitor your COC email and Canvas announcements regularly so you do not miss important course information.

I will be here to answer questions, provide guidance, and support your progress. I hope to see you in this course and look forward to helping you work toward your goals!

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/04/2026 Sub#: 454 Sub ID: 89149